The Atlanta Hawks have pulled off quite the transformation, going from a team struggling with size to one of the NBA's top contenders in second-chance points since the All-Star break. Let's dive into how they've turned things around.
Picture this: It's December 21st, 2025. The holiday season is in full swing, but the Hawks are feeling anything but festive.
After a tough 152-150 loss to the Chicago Bulls, Coach Quin Snyder steps up to the podium. His message is clear: "[Onyeka Okongwu] is working his tail off at 6'8... we have a 6'8 center."
Back then, the Hawks were giving up a staggering number of points in the paint and struggling to match that production offensively. Simply put, they weren't playing big enough.
Fast forward to now, and it's a whole new ballgame.
The Hawks have been on a tear, racking up wins and dominating in second-chance points. Onyeka Okongwu's fearless play and Jalen Johnson's newfound energy on the boards have sparked a potential franchise turnaround.
What was once seen as a size issue may actually be Atlanta's greatest asset.
Their "death lineup" has been wreaking havoc on opponents, showcasing versatility across all five positions. While they might not be the 2017 Warriors, the combination of CJ McCollum, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu has been formidable since the All-Star break, challenging the notion that the Hawks need to get bigger.
Before the trade for Kristaps Porzingis, the Hawks faced challenges with Porzingis sidelined due to health issues. Okongwu stepped up to fill the center role, but the team struggled, leading fans to question whether a roster shake-up was necessary.
However, Okongwu and his teammates have quieted those doubts, proving they can compete with the best on the boards.
Looking ahead, Atlanta's summer strategy could shift. Instead of chasing a traditional seven-footer, they might focus on adding versatile talent through the draft and free agency.
Expect the Hawks to target a top-eight pick who can seamlessly integrate into Quin Snyder's dynamic scoring system, along with free agents ready to contribute meaningful minutes. With their recent success, Atlanta is poised to build on their newfound strengths and continue their impressive run.